Historic marker downtown dedicated on Sunday

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation, a non-sectarian historical association headquartered in Independence, Mo., will unveil a historical marker at the site of David Whitmer’s Livery Stable in Richmond this weekend, Sunday, April 9, on the southwest corner of Thornton and Franklin streets.
MMFF invites the public to a historic dedication ceremony Sunday, April 19 in front of Larry’s True Value Hardware at 210 S. Thornton Street beginning at 4 p.m. At 3 p.m., Richmond Police will close the street in order to provide plenty of room for visitors, dignitaries and residents to attend.
A historic metal marker denoting the site where the David Whitmer Livery & Freight once stood will be placed near the greenhouse portion of Larry’s True Value Hardware business. Whitmer operated an impressive livery and feed business in Richmond. On June 6, 1878, the livery was “wiped out of existence” in the cyclone that hit Richmond. Whitmer rebuilt his business and after David’s death his descendants continued to provide livery services to the Richmond community for many years.
David Whitmer was the last living witness of the translation of the Book of Mormon, and custodian of the original manuscript as transcribed by Oliver Cowdery.
Speakers will include Mayor Lance Green, Jim Carter of the Ray County Historical Society and Pres. Van Komen, Independence Mission President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will also share a few comments among others. Whitmer descendants Harold Barchers of Richmond, Lorene Pollard of Lathrop and Bonnie Damon will be present for the unveiling of the plaque.
Photo of marker by Brenda Jensen, The Daily News